title: [GABA-system and alcohol: does an "ethanol receptor" exist? (review)].
abstract: There are two alternative points of view in the current literature addressing the mechanisms of ethyl alcohol effects on cells. A historically first appeared hypothesis of ethanol influence on living systems is based on the physical-chemical background and described the membrane-associated and intracellular biochemical events as a consequence of changes in the membrane state. In opposite, the attempts exist to differentiate the "specific action" of alcohol on separate neurochemical systems. The pharmacological belonging of ethanol to the class of CNS sedative drugs is explained in a mechanistic way through its "specific" action at GABA- and glycine-ergic systems. In the present article, the author analyses the basic results of the latter hypothesis and concludes that evidence of the existence of so-called "ethanol receptor" is insufficient.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Balashov
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D000431:Ethanol